SeaWorld Orlando offers amazing attractions and shows throughout the year. Photo by author

SeaWorld Orlando: Underwater Fun on Land

Animal Encounters

Needless to say animals are the main focus of SeaWorld! You can spend an entire day just visiting the habitats of dolphins, whales, flamingos, penguins, alligators, manatees, and more. Here are some of SeaWorld Orlando's standout animal encounters; for an even closer look at some of these amazing animals, book a behind-the-scenes tour.

• Pacific Point Preserve: Follow the distinctive sounds of barking sea lions to this large outdoor habitat. Here you can watch California sea lions and harbor seals swimming and playing in the sun. You can also toss fish to these animals (extra fee), just watch out for the ever-present seagulls looking to swipe a free meal.
• Shark Encounter: Get up close and personal with prehistoric predators at this unique exhibit. Journey through one of the world’s largest underwater viewing tunnels, on a moving walkway, surrounded by dozens of sharks of various species.
• Stingray Lagoon: When my boys first saw this imposing pool, home to more than 120 rays, they were a bit intimidated. But after they dipped their hands in the water and felt the velvety smooth skin of a gliding ray, they didn’t want to leave.

Family-Friendly SeaWorld Attractions

All ages love SeaWorld Orlando's attractions because there is something for everyone. Here are our standouts: 

• Expedition Odyssey: SeaWorld’s latest attraction takes guests on a high-flying adventure through glaciers, tundra, and the icy depths of the Arctic Ocean, encountering some awe-inspiring wildlife. Think Disney's “Soarin'" but over the Artic. Following the ride, visit the habitats of beluga whales, walruses, and more.
• Penguin Trek: On this immersive coaster, embark on a research adventure through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica, navigating twists and turns aboard a snowmobile. Reach the end and you’ll discover a real penguin habitat, the climactic scene of Antarctica, the previous attraction in this space.
• Sesame Street Land: The majority of rides in this land are geared toward younger children, but everyone can enjoy the Sunny Day Carousel and Super Box Car Derby roller coaster. Get a picture with Sesame Street pals at Photos with Elmo & Friends (characters rotate throughout the day). Our last time there we got to meet Cookie Monster and Grover. Sesame Street Land is a Certified Autism Center, meaning that it has been certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards as having at least 80 percent of staff highly trained, fully equipped, and certified in the field of autism.

RELATED: Aquatica Orlando: The Ultimate Guide for Wet & Wild Fun with Kids

SeaWorld Live Shows

Navigating a large theme park like SeaWorld can be extremely exhausting, especially on a hot Florida day. Take a break and relax at one of the park’s entertaining and educational shows.

• Orca Encounters: SeaWorld’s signature presentation is a dazzling showcase of orca whales. Watch in awe as these magnificent creatures demonstrate skills of agility and intelligence.
• Flippers, Facts and Fun -The Sea Lion Experience: Learn about California sea lions as you laugh at the antics of Clyde and Seymour, as well as some of their animal friends. The Clyde and Seymour presentation has had various incarnations over the years, but has remained my son TJ’s favorite show in the park.
• Dolphin Adventures: Explore the fascinating world of bottlenose dolphins in this lively presentation as these playful and highly intelligent creatures jump, flip, spin and even interact with the audience.

Pipeline - The Surf Coaster takes "surfers" on a death-defying ride through the park. Photo courtesy SeaWorld

Roller Coasters

As the self-proclaimed “Coaster Capital of Orlando,” SeaWorld features thrill rides varying in intensity from mild to downright terrifying. If you’ve got a coaster enthusiast in your family, this is the park to visit.

• Pipeline – The Surf Coaster: This first-of-its-kind attraction launches you 110 feet up at 60 mph...all while standing up! Surf your way through banks and curves as though you’re really riding the waves.
• Manta: Now that you’ve gone surfing on Pipeline, try gliding like a giant ray on this unique coaster. Riders fly head-first and face-down through an inverted nosedive...and that's just the beginning. Spin, skim, and splash your way through the high seas.
• Ice Breaker: Sea World’s most intense coaster features four airtime-filled launches, backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest vertical drop in Florida. The thrills continue as riders fly over a near vertical top hat maneuver into a series of exciting twists, turns, and airtime hills.

Unique Restaurants at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld has several counter service restaurants and snack stands serving typical theme park fare, as well as three, unique table service experiences.

• Dine with Orcas: Located behind Orca Stadium, this truly unforgettable experience relationship shared between animal care specialists and whales as you discover the unique characteristics of these majestic animals. Dine with Orcas features a 3-course prix fixe meal, including salad, entrée choice, seasonal dessert, and unlimited soft drinks.
• Sharks Underwater Grill: Nestled inside the building that houses Shark Encounters, this upscale restaurant offers fine dining with a spectacular view of the shark tank. 
• Breakfast with Elmo & Friends: Have some morning fun with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends while enjoying a delicious buffet of breakfast favorites. This is a fun-filled character dining experience sure to delight kids and parents.

Should You Visit SeaWorld Orlando?

SeaWorld can be a tricky destination choice for visitors who may have mixed feelings about visiting this theme-park-meets-zoo. If your standard for ethical animal treatment includes animals living in natural, enriched environments with freedom to exhibit normal behaviors, some would argue that SeaWorld may fall short and you may not choose not to bring your family. If your view includes high-level veterinary care, conservation efforts, and rescue work as part of the ethical treatment of animals, SeaWorld invests heavily in those areas and this would be a great spot for your family (especially for kids who love animals)!

SeaWorld Orlando: FAQs

• SeaWorld admission rates vary. Purchase single-day or multi-day ticket packages, annual passes, event entries, and more. Kids under age 2 are free. Same-day reentry is allowed with a proper hand stamp and valid admission ticket.
• The theme park offers exclusive park experiences. Tours or animal encounters can be booked online or in person at Guest Services during your visit.
• Lockers are available to rent (daily fee) to store belongings during a visit.
• No outside food or drinks are allowed to be brought in (except water bottles, baby food/formula, and items for people with dietary restrictions).
• Download the official SeaWorld app to better navigate the park, order food with the mobile food ordering option, book a cabana, and more.